President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, September 2, inspected the damaged Agana and Aquino bridges in Tarlac City following severe flooding caused by the southwest monsoon.

Marcos said the national government will provide ₱300 million to help the local government restore the Agana Bridge, which is a local bridge.

The Executive chief was accompanied by Tarlac Governor Christian Tell Yap, Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel.

A section of the Agana Bridge collapsed on Saturday night amid strong currents in the Tarlac River. A section of the Aquino Bridge was also swept away during the flooding on earlier on Friday.

Marcos said the Agana Bridge, which he noted was built shortly after World War II and is around 70 years old, had not experienced similar problems until the recent flooding.

He also attributed the severity of the rainfall and flooding to the effects of climate change.

“Dahil sa buong karanasan ng Pilipinas, ngayon lang tayo nakatikim ng ganitong klaseng ulan, ganitong klaseng pagbaha, dahil nga nagbabago ang panahon dahil nga sa climate change,” Marcos said.

The President said the national government would also provide technical assistance to help expedite the restoration of the bridges.

Marcos likewise conducted an aerial inspection of areas in Tarlac affected by the recent storms and southwest monsoon to assess the extent of the flooding and damage.

Meanwhile, Tarlac Governor Christian Yap said the provincial government, together with the Tarlac City government and Malacañang, will continue working to address the situation and ensure the safe restoration of the bridges.

The damaged bridges have caused disruptions to residents, commuters, workers, students and businesses in Tarlac City.